Adelaide 36ers too strong for NZ in NBL

Captain Daniel Johnson (28 points) and Nathan Sobey (21 points 12 rebounds, six assists) were magnificent for the Sixers who consolidated their spot in the top four after their victory at Titanium Security Arena.

Shea Ili (19 points), Jarrad Weeks (18) and Finn Delany (18) had a crack for the visitors who were busy early and gallant throughout but were ultimately undone by foul troubles (31-19).

The 36ers were error-riddled and untidy at times early and found themselves in a 10-point hole before Jacob Wiley's monster slam sparked the home side to reduce the Breakers' lead to 29-26 at quarter-time.

Johnson had nine points in the second term and Majok Deng scored six straight points in one minute as Adelaide got on top.

Wiley's athletic alley-oop from a Sobey feed made it 54-42 before NZ closed the half with triples to Weeks and Corey Webster to close the gap to six points at the main interval.

Sobey and Demetrius Conger were instrumental in Adelaide's 11-0 start to the third stanza as the the home side blew the difference out to 20 points.

The Breakers, piloted by Delany, seized some momentum late with a 9-1 run to close the deficit to nine points at three-quarter-time before making further inroads to start the fourth.

But with Shawn Long, Delany, Tai Wesley and Ili fouling out and Johnson taking control offensively, the 36ers were never seriously threatened again.

Adelaide coach Joey Wright felt his side was able to control the tempo for most of the match.

"They're a team that plays a lot like we do," Wright said.

"They attack at all positions.

"The fact we were able to defend and slow them up for periods was good."

NZ coach Kevin Braswell believes the 36ers' strong 54-28 rebound advantage was pivotal.

"I felt like Adelaide wanted it more," he said.

"I felt they played with a lot more effort.

"They were aggressive, they made us foul them and they shot a lot of free throws."

Australian Associated Press